Contributor: California's long history of National Guard overreaction to peaceful protesters
Briefly

As the 250th anniversary of the United States approaches, the deployment of the National Guard in Los Angeles brings historical concerns to the forefront. The article reflects on similar historical instances, especially a 1894 railroad strike where public sentiment contrasted sharply with government interpretations of insurrection. In California, Governor Markham's decision to send the National Guard amid political pressure showcased the complexities of using military force to address civil unrest. This echoes a broader debate on the balance of power and the ramifications of such actions.
As we approach the 250th anniversary of this nation's birth, federalizing the California Guard to quell unrest raises questions about presidential power and public perception.
Judging the Sacramento situation as an insurrection, Gov. H.H. Markham called up the National Guard, but public sentiment was not entirely aligned with governmental actions.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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